A Work in Progress April 2024 Newsletter |
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Hello, Art and Design Friends!Life is a work in progress, isn't it? I'm continually amazed at how many times I restart and reassess life's direction after gaining wisdom from new experiences. Last month, I was a scholarship recipient for a week-long artist residency at Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve and Education Center. What an honor. The experience inspired and humbled me and broadened my understanding of what it means to create art. Sitting among Willowtail's trees as I hiked a different path through their 60 acres each morning, I giddily sketched out potential paintings. Entering into this residency with The Plan: to sketch, experiment with compositions, and paint small acrylic studies and large oil canvases, fitting as many paintings into the week as I could muster. I wanted to focus on the process of creating art more than the final result. I hiked, executed The Plan, journaled, sketched, created composition options, and painted my heart out. Four days into the residency, I was exhausted, realizing I wasn't leaving much room for exploration, whimsy, or creativity. The morning of day five, I pulled out a blank canvas and started wildly expressing color, the promise of spring, and the essence of Willowtail. I finally felt IT – the freedom of capturing growth and this special place on canvas was a warm embrace. After a day of abstract painting, I was revived enough to return to my original canvases with new eyes and ditch The Plan. As I hiked each morning, I really looked at and FELT the trees and the scenes I was there to capture. I took the time to sense the magnificence of the pines, their growth, capturing their gesture, noticing why they grew into their current shape... we are often the product of our environment, and our own gestures often reflect our experiences, don't they? I spent Easter morning in my Willowtail cabin, feeling renewed, revived, and, in a sense, reborn. As I cranked the Hallelujah Chorus, munched the ears off a chocolate bunny my husband had delivered the day before, and journaled, I felt immense gratitude for this life lesson. Thank you, Peggy and Lee Cloy. My life is definitely a work in progress, and it's been an eventful ride so far. How are you a work in progress? Warmly, Cindy P.S. If your inbox is maxed out, you're always welcome to unsubscribe at the bottom of the page. Thank you! |
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Spring Essence The abstract painting I created when I let go and simply felt the creative process was a breath of fresh air! In late March, the buds were about to burst forth with spring life, and the irises were emerging with new growth. Circle August 2 on your calendar for the unveiling of my first solo art show, 'A Work in Progress.' This exhibition is a unique blend of paintings and musings from my artist residency journey. Join me from 5-7 pm at Smiley Cafe, 1309 E 3rd Ave, Durango, CO 81301, for an evening of art and conversation. I'll be giving an artist talk at 6pm, sharing the stories behind my paintings and the inspiration I found while at Willowtail. |
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"Spring Essence" 36" x 36" acrylic on canvas available | | |
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Below is an example of one scene's reference photo, sketch, compositions, and an (unfinished) oil painting. The studio was a dream! It overlooked the Willowtail Pond, and the windows offered views of the surrounding pine forests. My hiking trails wandered the entire property, and I wanted to take it all in with Beau, my trusty hiking companion. |
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Color This LLC Kelly Maertin is a wonder... she is a professional home painter who has been creating remodels for almost a decade. She has experience working as lead on a busy construction company's finish crew and now owns her own successful painting business as a mom of three. She painted our home and has meticulous attention to detail. 85% of her clients have asked her back to do other projects; I'm sure she'll do our next painting project. She desired a website design and logo refinement to emulate her quality work. I think we nailed it. Color This LLC Experience the refreshing change a high-quality, professional painter can bring to your home or business. colorthispainting.com | | |
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Scott's Favorite Beef Stew Some recipes are so classic that I find myself making them repeatedly, refining the recipe as I repeat the culinary process of creation. My husband is a fan of this brothy, savory beef stew, which was initially posted on my gluten-free blog in 2011. A neighbor inspired me to add soy sauce and a bit of fish sauce to this recipe (stay with me here...). I was initially skeptical, but that small amount of an unlikely sauce created such a lovely, mysterious, umami flavor that I add this combination to every beef stew I make! When life is a work in progress, your favorite foods should reflect that same ideology. Enjoy this, and check back in with the recipe from time to time... I'll be updating it as I'm inspired to do so! | | |
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The ArtRoom Collective May First Friday Mullholand Family Art & Photography have been exploring AI-inspired art, and they find it to be both fun and therapeutic. Christine Mulholland and family start with an emotion and idea and then engage with the AI technology as if it were a trusted friend to produce a wide range of notecards and art. Their notecards are sold at Durango Coffee, Maria's Bookshop, and There's No Place Like Home. (this AI-generated image is Christine's husband as an Irish Eagle!) On May 3 at 5:30, Christine will demonstrate her AI process and will take requests from anyone to create or modify an image. She will also discuss her RememberStuff software – an art computer program which is a way to provide care and restore dignity and independence for a loved one with dementia. The ArtRoom Collective at The Smiley is a diverse, working studio gallery where 24 artists create, collaborate, and share their passion with the community. We welcome visitors to experience a working art gallery to purchase art, jewelry, pottery, furniture, hats, and other local handmade goods. To learn more, visittheartroomcollective.com |
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Durango Gallery Association Spring Gallery Walk Friday, May 10 from 4-7pm Twelve Durango galleries are pulling out the stops and staying open late for the annual Durango Gallery Association Spring Gallery Walk on Friday, May 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. During the Gallery Walk, stop by The ArtRoom Collective to enter an art basket raffle and enjoy refreshments! Durango Gallery Association members include The ArtRoom Collective at the Smiley, Azul Gallery, Blue Rain Gallery, Create Art & Tea, Diane West Jewelry & Art, Durango Arts Center, Earthen Vessel Gallery, Karyn Gabaldon Fine Arts, Scenic Aperture, Sorrel Sky Gallery, Studio & Gallery, and Toh-Atin Gallery. To learn more, visit durangoartgalleries.com The ArtRoom Collective at The Smiley is a diverse, working studio gallery where 24 artists create, collaborate and share their passion with the community. We welcome visitors to experience a working art gallery to purchase art, jewelry, pottery, furniture, hats, and other local handmade goods. To learn more, visit theartroomcollective.com |
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Durango Wine Experience Art Inspiration! On Saturday, April 27, 3 - 6 pm, the Durango Wine Experience Grand Tasting will be held under the BIG tent at the Smiley Building, it will feature hundreds of wines and Colorado spirits along with Durango's finest restaurants showcasing their delectable cuisine. Drop by The ArtRoom Collective between sips of wine to be inspired by many local artists. Brought to you by the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado, the event proceeds support the Community Foundation and their vital work in the nonprofit sector. Together we build a thriving, vibrant community. |
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Willowtail Sculpture Gardens at our Opening Reception and Fundraiser Join me and supporters of Willowtail Springs Natrure Preserve and Education Center for the Willowtail Sculpture Gardens Opening Reception and Fundraiser on May 19 from 2-5pm! I'll have two paintings for sale at the event, and l look forward to seeing the many sculptures placed in their beautiful gardens. |
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My Smiley Building ArtRoom studio is small but mighty, containing works in progress, finished art pieces, and items to purchase. It's my place to develop my personal artistic style, explore mediums, and share my passion for pursuing beauty in our world. If you enjoy this newsletter, previous editions can be viewed here. I welcome you to visit my online art portfolio or drop by the Smiley Building ArtRoom to say hello when you're in downtown Durango. I hope to see you soon. Warmly, Cindy |
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